Firm support over awards

COMPANIES that have joined the Evening Telegraph in launching the Pride of Coventry and Warwickshire Community Awards today said the unsung heroes who make a difference to people's lives have to be recognised....

COMPANIES that have joined the Evening Telegraph in launching the Pride of Coventry and Warwickshire Community Awards today said the unsung heroes who make a difference to people's lives have to be recognised.

The first of the awards scheme, that will now become an annual event, has been supported by a number of companies and organisations.

Directors of the Heart of England Co-op took the courageous decision 18 months ago to plough all profits from the sale of cigarettes and tobacco back into local good causes.

Now nearing the end of their first two years, they will be giving away a total of #100,000.

Richard Samson, chief executive of the Heart of England - which has 35 food stores in the area - said: "The Brave Heart Hero seemed a particularly appropriate choice to us although we did have to consider this very carefully before making our financial decision.

"Fortunately, we launched our own Helping Hearts scheme 18 months ago and this allows us to fund local community initiatives and good causes by utilising the profit we make from selling cigarettes and tobacco.

"We are the only retailer in Britain and, we believe the world, to put all our profits from tobacco back into local communities in this way."

Les Ratcliffe, pictured, community affairs manager for Jaguar, which is sponsoring both the Local Hero and, later this month, the Environmental Hero award, said: "We acknowledge the importance of role leaders in the local community - our responsibility doesn't stop at the factory gates.

"Jaguar is pleased to be supporting individuals who give of their time so selflessly to help others, whether it is working to improve the environment or by recognising the support provided by a volunteer over so many years that it can sometimes be taken for granted."

The awards cover eight categories, with the winner in each receiving #250 for a charity of their choice. An overall winner selected from those eight will win #750 for charity as well as having their name engraved on Coventry Cathedral's Millennium Screen.

Nominations are now being invited for the first three categories and if you know someone who deserves a Community Award, send in the form from this site or today's Evening Telegraph.